Biotechnology of GMOs: Genetically Modified Organisms How can we use our understanding of DNA, genomes, and gene expression to help solve issues in the world? To what extent SHOULD we apply this knowledge into action?

Universality of the Genetic Code http://education.seattlepi.com/humans-bacteria-share-common-genetic-codes-4511.html

Same Gene, Different Organism https://vimeo.com/179820030

Are GMOs “good” or “bad”?

Basic Steps of Gene Transfer 1) Isolate gene and vector A vector is a DNA molecule that can be used to carry the gene of interest to foreign cell Plasmids are commonly used as vectors (viruses are also used) 2) Digestion of gene and vector by restriction enzymes Restriction enzymes (also called restriction nucleases) cut out genes of interest, and also cleave vectors to accept foreign genes 3) Ligation of gene and vector DNA ligase splices gene and vector to form recombinant plasmid 4) Selection and expression of transgenic construct Recombinant plasmid with newly inserted DNA is inserted into host genome – host will now express inserted gene(s).

1a) 1b) 2a) 2b) 3) 4)

Restriction Enzymes (Nucleases) Make Genetic Engineering Possible – discovered late 1960s “Sticky ends” are complimentary, so can be “re-sealed” by ligase Nature Link: http://www.nature.com/scitable/spotlight/restriction-enzymes-18458113

Gene Transfer through direct uptake of DNA

How are bacterial genes transferred to plant genomes?

How are viruses used for gene therapy?

Bacterial Transformation: inserting non-bacterial genes into bacteria

Extra Links: Do Humans and Bacteria Share Common Genetic Material: http://education.seattlepi.com/humans-bacteria-share-common-genetic-codes-4511.html Wings on a Human? http://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask357 Is it possible to create a designer baby? http://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask140

What are the potential risks and benefits of GMOs? Higher crop yields and more food Less land needed for crop rotation and could be used for conservation efforts Less use of insecticide sprays; health and financial benefits Increased vitamin content, decreased allergen or toxin content, resistance to virus diseases, drought tolerance, etc. Non-pest insects could be killed Consequences of GMO pollen transferring to other crops and organisms that feed on those crops Toxins from litter could harm decomposers Cross pollination with other plants in the wild could transfer genes Pests may develop resistance to genetically modified toxin

What are the potential benefits and risks of GMOs?

GMO Salmon 7 Questions to Ask: http://time.com/4120648/fda-approved-aquabounty-gmo-salmon/ GMO Salmon Approved: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/business/genetically-engineered-salmon-approved-for-consumption.html?_r=0 GMO Salmon Banned: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/01/29/fda-bans-imports-of-genetically-engineered-salmon-for-now/

Clones & Cloning Clones: groups of genetically identical organisms OR a group of cells derived from a single original parent cell Cloning multicellular organisms requires the production of stem cells (differentiated cells cannot form other types of cells) Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can continuously reproduce AND have the capacity to differentiate Natural cloning occurs in asexual organisms (Ex: Bacteria), twins, and some plant species Artificial cloning is done through the artificial production of stem cells from already differentiated cells

Somatic-Cell Nuclear Transfer: Cloning Adult Animals Using Differentiated Cells Stem Cells Link: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/stemcells/scintro/

Cloning Via Embryonic Division